understanding jordanian midwives’ experiences of providing care during the covid-19 pandemic crisis: a phenomenological study

Background: midwives are at high-risk during the coronavirus disease (covid-19) pandemicoutbreak. risks include virus exposures, extra working hours, psychological stressors, fatigue, workburnout, stigma, and physical and psychological violence. however, attention is needed to preparethe midwives during this crisis and help them overcome their challenges. the current study aims toexplore jordanian midwives’ experiences of providing health care during the covid-19 pandemiccrisis.methods: a descriptive phenomenological qualitative study was used. semi-structured interviewsusing telephone calls were conducted to collect data from april to may 2020. each interview lastedfor 30-45 minutes. purposive and snowball sampling strategies were used to recruit 20 midwives fromtwo hospitals. colaizzi’s method was used to analyze the data manually.results: four main themes and eight subthemes were obtained. the main themes included: “living inturmoil”; “communication dilemma”; “positive experience over time”, and “seeking support”.conclusion: jordanian midwives experienced a stressful and interruptive routine life while providingcare to their clients during the covid-19 pandemic. this study recommends more attention towardsthe psychological state and factors that might affect the midwives during this crisis. the managementand administrative teams should do their best to reduce the work pressure and arrange holidaysappropriately. policymakers and the government should provide the midwives with a safe work environment, good information resources, and financial rewards.